ABBREVIATIONS
| chain | ch |
| slip stitch | sl st |
| single crochet | sc |
| half double crochet | hdc |
| double crochet | dc |
| treble crochet | tr |
| front post double crochet | FPdc |
| back post doube crochet | BPdc |
| back loop only | BLO |
| front loop only | FLO |
| yarn over | YO |
| increase | inc |
| decrease | dec |
| 2 double crochet together | 2dctog |
Double crochet stitch
The double crochet stitch is most commonly used in granny square, filet, and corner to corner (C2C) projects. It is also used for different shells and clusters.
The first dc of any new row will usually be a chain 3. There is a way to do a beginning double crochet in place of the chain 3, but for now, I will just cover the basic stitch.
How to make the double crochet stitch
Yarn over (YO), insert hook into stitch in row below, YO and draw up a loop (3 loops on hook). YO and pull through 2 of the loops on your hook (2 loops remaining). YO and pull through final 2 loops on hook.
Single Crochet Stitch
One of the most basic of stitches is the single crochet. In any pattern you read the abbreviation will be SC. This stitch is very simple, yet can be used to create the most amazing projects.
Almost all amigurumi (crocheted stuffed toys, figures, collectibles, etc.) are completely single crocheted, minus a few slip stitches here and there. The moss stitch, which is nothing more than single crochets and chain stitches, when used with pooling yarn can make beautiful patterned scarves and blankets. It is also the best stitch to use when making graphic blankets or “graphgans”.
How to make a single crochet
Step 1: Insert hook into chain or loop(s) of stitch in previous row.
Step 2: Grab yarn and pull back through, drawing up a loop.
Step 3: Yarn over and pull through both loops on the hook.
It’s that simple!
Single crochet increases and decreases
When making amigurumi or other projects when working in rounds, you will come across the need to increase the number of stitches. An increase is simply two stitches instead of one into the stitch in the row below.
In a decrease, you are making one stitch in two stitches in the row below. You will insert your hook into the first stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), then insert hook into the next stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook). You then will yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on the hook.